These requirements apply to students using the MySciLEARN Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant programs on a computer, Chromebook, or iPad. Note that Android devices are not supported at this time.

In addition to these requirements, MySciLEARN clients must meet the minimum specifications for the operating system and must have enough available resources to successfully run the browser. Browsers are only supported on compatible operating systems.

Internet access over Wi-Fi or fast cellular data networks (up to LTE).* Speeds will vary based on site conditions—see Internet bandwidth requirements to learn more.

*The Scientific Learning program apps and Reading Assistant Plus vary in the amount of data transmitted and received based on multiple factors, such as the current exercise or reading selection, the program protocol or schedule, and the current status in the program. In addition, bandwidth requirements vary during an individual student session, with larger data transfers occurring during the first few minutes of a session, and in the case of Reading Assistant Plus, after a recording session.

The Scientific Learning programs vary in the amount of data transmitted and received based on multiple factors, such as the current exercise or reading selection, the protocol or schedule, and the current status in the program. Also, bandwidth requirements vary during an individual session, with larger data transfers occurring during the first few minutes of a session, and in the case of Reading Assistant/Reading Assistant Plus, after a recording session.

Tip: A good way to improve network bandwidth usage is to use a content sever. Content servers help reduce WAN traffic and increase performance by providing content at a local level. On average, a content server at the district or school level will allow 3 to 7 times more concurrent users where available bandwidth is a limiting factor. For more information see About content servers.

Home access requirements

DSL or faster broadband Internet connection, with the following download/upload speeds:

Computer/Chromebook (download/upload speed)

iPad (download/upload speed)

Fast ForWord Foundations I & II

3 Mbps/1.5 Mbps

3 Mbps/1.5 Mbps

All other Fast ForWord programs

1.5 Mbps/0.5 Mbps

1 Mbps/0.5 Mbps

Reading Assistant Plus

3 Mbps/1.5 Mbps

3 Mbps/1.5 Mbps

Reading Assistant

3 Mbps/1.5 Mbps

1 Mbps/0.5 Mbps

Scientific Learning customers may be able to receive a discount on Andrea headsets and adapters, if purchased directly from Andrea Communications.

Scientific Learning customers may be able to receive a discount on Andrea headsets and adapters, if purchased directly from Andrea Communications.

Scientific Learning strongly recommends that Fast ForWord students use headphones with the following features:

Stereo output. Use stereo headphones only. Do not be misled by monaural headphones with two earpieces; the sound may come out of only one side.

Ear cups that completely cover the ear. Circumaural headphones (over the ear) are preferred to supra-aural headphones (on the ear) or intra-aural (ear buds) because they provide greater reduction of background noise as well as superior comfort.

Built-in volume control. Direct access to volume settings keeps the focus on the program exercises rather than device management.

Padded headband. Prevent the distraction of an uncomfortable headset by choosing one with a padded headband.

Wired connectivity. Do not use wireless headphones, as the connection can be unreliable. Choose headphones with a cable that connects directly to the computer.

Tip: If you plan to use Reading Assistant or Reading Assistant Plus with the Fast ForWord programs, see Reading Assistant headset requirements for a list of headsets that will work with both. To listen in with your students, choose headsets without an integrated USB connector.

Listening in with Fast ForWord students

The following hardware lets coaches listen in while a student uses the Fast ForWord program:

Because Y-adapters are manufactured with a standard 3.5mm cable connection, headsets with an integrated USB connector cannot connect to them and are therefore not recommended if you plan to listen in with your students.

Headsets that use an external USB adapter will work fine—just connect the Y-adapter to the USB adapter’s headphone jack. Andrea Communications provides an approved USB headset adapter if needed.

Computer/Chromebook headset requirements

Using Reading Assistant or Reading Assistant Plus on a computer, laptop, or Chromebook requires an approved headset with either an integrated USB connection or an approved external USB audio adapter.

If you plan to use Reading Assistant or Reading Assistant Plus with the Fast ForWord programs, check the table to see which headsets will also work with the Fast ForWord programs. Headsets with an asterisk (*) are not compatible with Y-adapters and are not recommended if you want to listen in with your Fast ForWord students.

* Headset has an integrated USB connector and is not compatible with Y-adapters

Headsets for computer use

Needs USB adapter

Durable

Easy to clean

Use with FFW

Price range

Andrea EDU-455 USB

*

$26-$28

Logitech H390 (ClearChat Comfort USB)

$25-$35

Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000

*

$20-$35

Andrea EDU-455

$15-$17

Califone 3066AV (not USB)

$25-$35

Cyber Acoustic AC-960

$20-$30

When purchasing a USB adapter for your computer headset, choose the exact model number shown. Other adapters sold by the same manufacturer are not approved.

iPad headset requirements

iPad mobile digital devices provide a single headset jack for the Reading Assistant headset, which lets you use a single cable to connect the headset to the device. To provide the best audio quality and user experience, choose an approved headset that best meets your implementation needs.

For iPad use only, choose a headset with a single plug. Existing dual plug headsets can also be used by combining the headset with a dual plug to single plug adapter.

For iPad and computer use, choose a headset and combine with an appropriate adapter.

Scientific Learning supports most mobile headset adapters (dual plug to single plug/single plug to dual plug), so you can use these headsets across devices. To use a single-plug headset on a computer or Chromebook, combine with a single plug to dual plug adapter and a USB audio adapter. To use a dual plug headset on an iPad, combine with a dual plug to single plug adapter.

The C-100 dual plug to single plug adapter and the C-200 single plug to dual plug adapter can be purchased from Andrea Communications.

Content servers provide local access to the Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant program content. They are optional when using MySciLEARN. See About content servers for more information. If your school or district chooses to implement a content server, it must meet the following requirements.

*The Session Monitor app is expected to work on other similar Android platform devices that meet these system requirements. Contact Scientific Learning Customer Support if you have questions about your specific device.

Clear your browser's cache

If you're experiencing display issues or are having general problems using the software in your browser, you may want to try clearing your browser's cache. If you are not familiar with this task, see the documentation for your browser or check article 1246 in our knowledge base.

Disable Compatibility View in Internet Explorer

If you encounter any user interface or display issues while using Internet Explorer, make sure that Compatibility View has been disabled within Internet Explorer.

Safari on iPad

The Foundations series and Reading Assistant Plus programs are compatible with the Safari web browser on iPad. The other programs require the Scientific Learning program apps, available on the App Store.

When using the programs in Safari on iPad, make sure to use the Safari browser only. Other browser apps (such as Firefox and Chrome) are not compatible with our software.

Note: Reading Assistant Plus is not compatible with Safari browser on a desktop or laptop computer.

Firefox and Reading Assistant (legacy)

The Reading Assistant legacy program will be discontinued in 2018. We strongly advise switching to Reading Assistant Plus now. Learn how »

Reading Assistant legacy program technology requires that the Firefox browser accept plug-ins. On March 7, 2017, Firefox began phasing out plug-in support. See blog.mozilla.org for details.

To let your students continue using Firefox with Reading Assistant legacy program, you’ll need to switch to the Firefox Extended Support Release browser on Windows or Macintosh workstations. Note that Reading Assistant does not support 64-bit browsers, so avoid downloading the Windows 64-bit installer for Firefox ESR.

Alternatively, your students can use another supported browser with the Reading Assistant legacy program, or you can start using Reading Assistant Plus.

If you have any questions, contact Scientific Learning Customer Support.